Published in Animals #13, February 19 2023
Simple Summary: Equestrianism is currently facing a range of pressing challenges. These challenges are largely based on evolving attitudes to ethics and equine wellbeing and affect the sport’s social licence to operate (i.e., its public acceptability). It is likely that trends within society, features specific to the equestrian sector, and aspects of human nature have all contributed to the current situation. If equestrianism is to flourish, it is evident that much needs to change, not the least, human behaviour. There are established frameworks for explaining and effecting human behaviour change that have been scientifically validated and are rooted in practice. These frameworks, such as the COM-B model and the Behaviour Change Wheel by Michie et al., could be of practical value for developing and implementing equine welfare strategies. The current review summarises the theory that underpins some behaviour change frameworks and provides a practical, step-by-step approach to designing an effective behaviour change intervention. A real-world example is also provided. This is based on retrospective analysis of an intervention strategy that aimed to increase the use of learning theory in (educational) veterinary practice. In our opinion, incorporating effective behaviour change interventions into any equine welfare improvement strategy may help to safeguard the future of equestrianism.
At Flyinge’s Horse Welfare Summit, the Professor Ingvar Fredricson Foundation awarded its 2026 scholarship to Dr Andrew McLean, recognising his pioneering work in equitation science and his longstanding contribution to equine welfare.
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Two days. One shared goal: advancing horse welfare through science, education and practice. Join leading international experts at the Horse Welfare Summit 2026, where Dr Andrew McLean will deliver two keynote lectures and receive the Professor Ingvar Fredricson Foundation Scholarship.
A new review examines how smartphones are becoming genuine tools for monitoring a horse's soundness, heart rate and recovery, and even for meeting international competition requirements. Among the systems it highlights is Sleip, co-founded by Dr. Elin Hernlund, one of the Foundation's own scholarship recipients, whose work builds on decades of Swedish equine biomechanics research going back to Professor Ingvar Fredricson himself.
On November 2, visitors gathered in Hall B at the Jönköping Horse Show for the Professor Ingvar Fredricson Foundation’s 2025 scholarship ceremony, celebrating groundbreaking Swedish research in equine biomechanics. From the pioneering efforts of the 1970s—when high‑speed cameras and manual measurements were the researcher’s tools—to today’s AI‑powered motion analysis and robotic hoof simulators, the audience was taken on a journey through decades of innovation. Professors Lars Roepstorff and Marie Rhodin, together with Associate Professor Elin Hernlund, shared their latest breakthroughs, followed by live demonstrations showing how AI and high‑precision sensors are transforming the understanding of horse–rider interaction. Moderator Jens Fredricson guided the dialogue and inspired exchange between researchers, while post‑event discussions with attendees helped build valuable bridges between research and practice.